New Waitrose store opens its doors this week

At last the wait is over because the new Waitrose supermarket in Milngavie opens its doors this week for business.

Alongside branch manager, David Sharp, the store will be officially opened on Thursday, June 11 at 8am by St Joseph’s pupil, Anastasia McLaughlin (8) who created the winning design for a special edition Waitrose bag, which will be given out to 5000 customers.

Anastasia’s design represents what she loves most about Milngavie and includes a drawing of the world famous West Highland Way obelisk at the start of the walk in the town centre, and a rainbow and banner with the new store opening date on it.

Hundreds of entries were received for the competition and these are now on show in the store’s community room – a facility which is available to book for free to local charitable organisations.

More than 150 jobs have been created for partners at the new supermarket.

And the store, which is the seventh Waitrose to be opened in Scotland, is stocking over 400 Scottish produced goods and providing 250 hours of support to local causes through its Partner Volunteering scheme.

Waitrose Milngavie intends to play a strong role in the local community.

David Sharp, branch manager, said: “Over the past two months, we’ve been working hard to complete partner training and organising suppliers.

“Now the team can’t wait to welcome customers and local residents, many of whom have shown great support and watched the site transform into our new store over the past year.

“We are proud to be opening in Milngavie and grateful to residents for their patience.

“While we recognise construction brings its challenges, we are relishing the opportunity to now provide our new customers with the very best of our offer and becoming part of the community.

“We will share £12,000 and 250 staff hours between causes nominated by our customers. Importantly, the investment being made enables West of Scotland Football Club to build its new all weather pitch ensuring the team has even better facilities for the future.”

In addition to the large cafe, the store includes some unique elements such as a bakery grazing area and outdoor seating.

Open seven days, Waitrose Milngavie is expected to draw customers to shop in Milngavie from a wider catchment area.